Keeping Large Freshwater Fish as Pets

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

Large freshwater fish are common pets that people keep in their home. There is a lot of work that goes into making the environment right and keeping the health of the fish in check. For those that have never dived into this type of pet owning, you will want to do adequate research in order to ensure that you do have the means to make sure that your pets stay healthy and that these large freshwater fish are something that you can enjoy for years to come.

One of the first things to keep in mind is that there are numerous types of freshwater fish that are available to purchase and within these categories are those that are not going to be able to live well together. For example, Oscar fishes are known to eat other types of freshwater fish, thus they are something to avoid unless the person is willing to separate these fish within the same tank or pond. Your local pet store can be the best resource in helping you to select fish based on the amount of care required and the size that the fish are going to grow to.

Secondly, remember that you are going to need a big tank or pond depending on how many fish that you end up purchasing. Some freshwater fish grow up to one or two foot long, so you are going to need to allow at least three foot of water per one foot of fish. The larger the fish, the more room that they will require. Most people that own large freshwater fish have a tank that is at least one hundred and fifty gallons or larger to accommodate the growing fish. Another option is an outdoor pond.

The tank that you buy should come equipped with a sturdy and powerful water filter and an overhead light. In most cases, you will find that an underwater filter will be sufficient however a high flow water filter would be the best option. Fish food is also something that you will have to research as different freshwater fish have a different diets.

Chemical testing of the water will have to be conducted every two weeks in order to ensure that the water is of good quality. Keeping large freshwater fish takes some responsibility however the fish are going to provide hours of beauty and enjoyment.

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Fishing Park Holidays in the USA

Posted on April 18, 2012 by

When deciding to take a trip in order to catch up on some fishing that is going to give you time to relax and enjoy yourselves, there are several parks within the United States which are going to be able to accommodate your needs. The majority of these parks have fishing that is year round. However, visitors should consider the climate as fish are known to not bite during the colder seasons of the year. Plus, in some extreme northern fishing parks in the US they can experience intense freezes where lakes freeze over and normal recreational fishing is not possible.

The Everglades Holiday Park located in Florida is a pristine location to fish in. There are tons of fish that can be caught there. Most people frequent the area for the bass. You can rent a boat from the park office to enable you to get around the Everglades and catch the biggest bass that you have ever seen. There has been a lot of trophy sized bass that have been caught at this location and its often the location for bass tournaments that take place throughout the state.

Norris Dam State Park in Tennessee is also a place that is frequently visited by those that are looking for a fishing holiday. The lake and river which is located within the park is loaded with several types of fish. Most people end up catching trout, both brown and rainbow or catch crappie as they are the most abundant in the waters. However, there are also walleye, small mouth bass, largemouth bass and striper bass that can be caught as well. It makes for an interesting weekend away from home.

Yellowstone Holiday Park is one of the other frequented parks that people go to in order to get in some enjoyable fishing. You will find that the lake in the area is great for a relaxing fishing day trip and you can fish there all year round.

No matter what holiday park you choose to fish at there are some things that you need to keep in mind. The most important being that with every park there are different regulations in terms of what fish can be kept. Please ask the local Rangers or Fishery Officers for more details, You will also need to have a current recreational fishing permit and will need to produce this before being able to fish in the area.

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The Top 10 Fishing Parks in Thailand

Posted on April 15, 2012 by

Number 1 – Bungsamran Fishing Park (Bangkok)

Bungsamran is where it all began. Still home to some of the biggest Mekong catfish and still hold’s the crown for the world’s largest carp. Bungsamran is where you go on your first ever Thailand fishing trip, as it introduces the angler to the power of the Mekong Catfish, SE Asia most celebrated freshwater sports fish.

It was established on March 16, 1983 with an area of 98,000 m2 and a depth of 4 to 10 m. There are more than 50 species of both carnivorous and herbivorous game fish. There are thousands and thousands of large fishes ready to challenge your skill as well as for you to set a new record.

Apart from the fishing pond, Bungsamran has a great restaurant, which serves both Thai and Seafood. Bungsamran also has a fishing tackle store, which is fully stocked with well known brands such as Shimano and Daiwa.

Visit their website

Number 2 – Teak Tree Lake (Chiang Mai)

Teak Tree Lake is Thailand’s most exclusive and luxurious fishing experience. The owner, an Englishman has create a mixed fishery with many different species with a balance between predators and prey.

The fishing is not always easy but the rewards can be worth waiting for. If you want to enjoy your fishing in privacy with luxurious accommodation in tranquil settings with the chance to catch some very large exotic fish, while being guided and fed some delicious Thai cuisine, then Teak Tree Lake is for you.

It was established in 2006 with an area of 64,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 4 m. There are more than 20 species of fish. Species include red tails, aripiama, arowana, alligator gar, catfish and carp.

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Number 3 – Greenfield Valley Fishing and Cottage Resort (Hua Hin)

Greenfield Valley is one of the latest addition’s to the Thailand fishing scene. As well as being one of the most tranquil and relaxed fishing environments, Greenfield has interesting mix of big fish to 130 kg, whilst also providing prolific action on lighter tackle.

It was established in 2009 with an area of 320,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 5 m. There are more than 20 species of fish. Species include mainly Amazonian freshwater fish.

Number 4 – IT Lake Monsters (Ratchaburi)

IT Lake Monsters put Thailand on the map for arapaima fishing. Although today many of the large arapaima are no longer present. IT Lake Monsters has probably the biggest number of 20 kg plus Amazon Redtail’s in Thailand.

It was established in 2004 with an area of 28,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 5 m. There are more than 25 species of fish. Species include arapaima, redtail catfish, alligator gar, barramundi, pacu, tiger catfish and Chao Phraya catfish.

Number 5 – Boon Mar Ponds (Chachoengsao)

Boon Mar Ponds without doubt offers the best and most exhilarating barramundi fishing in Thailand. Boon Mar Ponds is set in the rural aquaculture district of Chachengsao. Surrounded by flat arable land, much of which has been prepared into rice fields or fish and prawn grow out ponds.

It was established in 2001 with an area of 20,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 3 m. There are more than 5 species of fish. Species include barramundi and tilapia.

Number 6 – Shadow Lake (Bangkok)

Shadow Lake is a large lake set amongst beautiful scenery, with lush vegetation along the shaded bank. Its more a typical Thai fishing venue becoming very busy later in the evening. Shadow lake is Thailand’s premier carp fishing venue, is over 30 years old and holds many of the local fishing records. Is open 24 hours and food and drinks are available.

It was established in 1981 with an area of 37,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 4 m. There are more than 10 species of fish. Species include Mekong giant catfish, striped catfish, giant carp, bighead carp and black carp.

Number 7 – Amazon Fishing Park (Bangkok)

Amazon Fishing Park is surrounded by beautiful shady trees. The fishing pond has only recently been re opened to the public. It has a mini zoo including parrots, pythons, turtles, horses, buffaloes, pigs and squirrels, has a well stocked pond and serves tasty food.

It was established in 2010 with an area of 20,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 4 m. There are more than 10 species of fish. Species include red tails, aripiama, arowana, alligator gar, tiger catfish and carp.

Number 8 – Jimmy’s Fishing Park (Pattaya)

There are around 10 fishing parks in Chonburi province and Jimmy’s Fishing Park is probably the most popular, especially for the local Expat community. It’s not just a fishing park, it also has a pleasant bar and restaurant, which serves plenty of tasty International food and beer.

It was established in 2001 with an area of 20,000 m2 and a depth of 1 to 4 m. There are more than 5 species of fish. Species include red tails, perch and carp.

Number 9 – Khao Laem Reservoir (Kanchanaburi)

The Khao Laem Dam was built across the River Khwae Noi in 1983, creating the huge Khao Laem Reservoir which is located deep in Thailand’s western mountainous jungle. Just a little further to the west are the wild jungles of Burma.

Khao Laem Reservoir stretches 60 km long and 25 km across at the widest point and within its vast boundaries lay a network of islands, swamps and mangroves providing an excellent fishing environment. The reservoir can be explored by long tailed boat or canoe. Boating around the lake provides an opportunity to see some of the fish and bird life in the area or just to enjoy some peace and tranquility. A few resorts with raft houses can be found in the vicinity of the dam. Species include Indian carp, jungle perch and snakehead.

Number 10 – Bang Phra Reservoir (Sriracha)

A relatively large reservoir located in Chonburi province. In addition to water supply for the entire province, fishing is also very popular on the reservoir. The reservoir has a beautiful landscape with plenty of fish and bird life. Bang Phra Reservoir is the best venue in Thailand for catching giant snakehead and can be explored by long tailed boat or canoe. Species include Indian carp, jungle perch and snakehead.

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Freshwater Crayfish and Prawns

Posted on April 15, 2012 by

To generate additional income, some parks also grow out Crayfish and Prawns from larvae size to market size which are delivered LIVE in special oxygenated food transport vehicles or special packaging to restaurants.

Generally produce is “A” grade stock which is purged for a minimum of 24 hours prior to delivery and is available in the size range from 30 g to 150 g. The main species of Crayfish and Prawns farmed are listed below.

Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

Redclaw Crayfish is a species of freshwater crayfish native to the rivers of Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria and the Northern Territory. Redclaw Crayfish is very similar to the Marron and the Yabby and all three have attracted significant commercial interest internationally.

Redclaw Crayfish are highly adaptive with respect to nutrition and are often referred to as omnivores, which means they eat a variety of organic matter.

Under optimal pond conditions Redclaw Crayfish can grow from hatching to the smallest marketable size of 30 g within four months. When best practice techniques are used, the majority of males will reach 100 g and females 70 g within 12 months of grow out.

Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Giant Freshwater Prawns are famous because of the intensive Aquaculture breeding programs used to grow them out in a short period of time. Recently, the growth of freshwater prawn farms has increased tremendously. Over 37 countries are practicing freshwater prawn farming as demands are very high for prawns because of their value on the Global food market.

While this species is considered a freshwater one, the larval stage of the animal depends on brackish water. Once the individual shrimp has grown beyond the planktonic stage and become a juvenile, it will live entirely in freshwater.

This species of shrimp can get quite large, attaining a length of over 30 cm in a relatively short period of time.

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Asian Arowana, An Insight Into This Great Fish

Posted on May 1, 2011 by

By Dr John Smith

The Asian arowana is more commonly known as the Chinese dragon fish in the local areas where it is found. There are great myths and legends that surround this great fish which have lead to its popularity as a pet in many households worldwide. The Asian arowana has now become one of the most valuable and collected fish in the arowana breed. In Asian and Chinese folklore the arowana fish is said to radiate luck, wealth and prosperity onto its owner and household.

This arowana fish is a freshwater fish that is to be found in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These great fish which have lived on the planet for almost 140 million years have remained virtually unchanged in this time period which is remarkable. They are known to grow to between 3-4 feet in length in an aquarium but have been known to grow bigger in there normal environment.

The arowana itself like most of the breeds of arowana is a carnivore. Basically it will eat most fish or animals that is small enough to put in its mouth. So you are looking at a basic diet of small insects, frogs and even small birds. This fish can also jump from the water if needs be to catch its prey and has been known to jump up to 1 meter out of a river. Its this arowanas slender long muscular body which gives it the arrow like jumping ability.

As stated before, this breed of arowana is the most collectable and most valuable of tall he wild arowanas today. With this title comes a down side, the Asian arowana has now become very scarce and has been placed on the CITES endangered list. The CITES treaty is one of the toughest and most restrictive forces on international trade and there is heavy penalties in many countries worldwide for the illegal owning of an Asian arowana. In the U.S., owning one of these fish is completely prohibited under the Endangered Species Act (except for public zoos and aquariums, if they can obtain permits).

The reasons for the scarcity of the Asian arowana can come down to a few factors.

1. Over fishing for food by local communities in southeast asia.
2. The illegal catching of the wild Asian arowana for the aquarium trade. The red and asian arowana is used in the set up of feng shui aquariums and they command high prices.
3. With town and city expansion today the arowanas natural environment and breeding grounds are becoming smaller and under pressure, leading to the disappearance of the fish.

To combat the disappearance of the great Asian arowana CITES have set up a number of monitored fish farms in southeast Asia to supply fish to the aquarium trade. Each fish bred and sold from these fish farms is documented with a certificate and implanted with a microchip. This is to help clamp down on illegal arowana coming into the supply system.

I hope this will give up some insight into the highs and lows faced by the Asian arowana today.

About the Author: Dr John Smith is an expert on Asian Arowana. If you are interested in reading more about the Asian arowana then check out Arowanafor for more detailed information.

Source: Arowanafor

 

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Large Fish Pond Preparation

Posted on February 27, 2011 by

Pond preparation needs to be done in distinctive stages and over a period of time to ensure that the pond is stable and the water quality is suitable for fish. Listed below are the steps that we have successfully used for preparing ponds. We have also included some expert tips in the article from ozzydom who is a well renowned and professional Tilapia farmer in Thailand.

1. Before you start digging a hole in the ground, check that the sub soil is capable of holding water and that you have a consistent, reliable, clean and unpolluted water supply.

2. The second stage is to dig out the pond. Generally the depth should be around 2 meters but should also include deeper areas of up to 4 meters where fish can hide. This also helps to provide cooler water on hot days. The walls and sides of the pond should be at a slight 15 to 20 degree angle from perpendicular (5 to 1 ratio slope). The pond should be dug out using an excavator or tractor and blade. A tractor can operate up a 5 to 1 slope and spread its own fill. If you are building adjacent ponds, make sure the separation is at least 5 meters wide as the banks can erode to some degree over time. A wider area dividing the ponds can more easily be grassed and landscaped with fruit trees etc. to help prevent erosion.

3. The next stage is grading. Use a bulldozer or grader to grade the base of the pond. This ensures that the bottom of the pond is flat and even. Grade it deeper in one direction over the entire pond and to one corner, which will make harvesting easier if you ever need to empty the pond. Grading helps to compact the soil and make it firm and solid and not muddy and also helps to prevent reed infestation.

4. The next stage is to allow the pond to dry on the surface. Once it is dry evenly spread out about 100kg of agricultural lime per rai (1,600 m2) over the pond bottom and walls and allow it to dry rock hard over about one week. The use of lime helps to dry and harden the pond, sterilize the soil, increase the availability of nutrients and to buffer against daily pH fluctuations.

5. Once the pond has been treated with lime you can fill the pond from your water supply. Pump water into the pond slowly to prevent erosion and ensure that the pump is fitted with a filter bag to prevent any aquatic eggs, fry or larvae from entering the pond. The filter bag also helps to aerate the water.

6. After filling the pond for the first time, the water will probably be muddy with suspended clay etc, don’t just toss in your fry or fingerlings as soon the pond is filled with water, make sure the environment is ready to receive the fish.

For a general poly culture pond do this by priming the pond initially with 12kg of triple Super Phosphate 0-45-0 and 6kg of Nitrogen 45-0-0 per rai (1,600 m2) or alternatively 20 kg of 16-20-0 per rai (1,600 m2). Do this by adding the fertilizer to a medium sized bag made from fine blue netting and hang it on a pole driven into the pond. Direct a light water flow onto the bag to allow the fertilizer to dissolve and dissipate. After about ten days the water should start to clear and an algae bloom should become evident on the surface. If it doesn’t just give the pond a booster of 50% of the initial dose. Don’t worry if your pond becomes covered in green gunk, it will die back and your water will turn a shade of green. Tilapia feed algae and it contains up to 50% protein. What you are trying to achieve is green water, this indicates a healthy population of micro organisms and micro plankton. As phosphate levels drop, the water will become clearer, indicating a booster shot of phosphate is required. To do this add 5kg of 0-45-0 once a month.

7. The final step is to stock the pond with fry or fingerlings and to landscape around the pond to help prevent soil erosion. Keep your stocking rates to about 1,000 fish per rai (1,600 m2) and not many problems will arise like dissolved oxygen levels and disease.

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